Hand Warmer Pouch

Abstract

A hand warmer pouch in which a tubular cavity lays flat against the body when hands are not inserted into the tubular cavity. The hand warmer pouch can have an elliptical shape with curved ends to provide an ergonomic shape. The outer shell of the hand warmer pouch is formed of a water resistant fabric. The inside of the tubular cavity is formed of an insulation fabric. The ends of the belt can be sewn onto the rear of the hand warmer pouch. A gripping portion can be attached to an inner surface of each end of the belt adjacent to the attached ends.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hand warmer pouch which is lightweight and ergonomically shaped and provides warmth and water resistance during extreme weather conditions, such as during sporting and rugged outdoor activities.

2. Description of Related Art

Hand warmer pouches are known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,408,355 describes a hand warmer for outdoor sportsman. The hand warmer uses an adjustable belt that attaches the hand warmer about the waist. The main body of the muff has end portions that diverge outwardly. The inner layer of the pouch is formed of a foam-type padding having a depth of approximately three-quarters of an inch of a flexibly stiff nature to provide a certain degree of stiffness to the muff. A cover is made of a nylon material. An interlayer is made from a material similar to thermal underwear.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,519 describes a handwarmer pack having a fanny pack suitable for receiving objects and a pocket mounted on the fanny pack. A muff of a rectangular configuration is folded in half and maintained in a cylindrical configuration by using a releasable fastening means in the pocket. The muff can be used in the pocket or removed from the pocket.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,401 describes an insulated hand warmer adapted to be attached to the user's waist by a belt apparatus. The insulated hand warmer has a front wall, a top wall, a back wall, a bottom wall and a collapsible wall, and a plurality of adjustment straps. The hand warmer can be compressed against the user's body by the adjustment straps when not in use. The insulated hand warmer also features a central pocket wherein a heat source can be placed. The user's hands are inserted from each end of the insulated hand warmer to come into contact with the heat source. A front pocket for storage of the user's travel articles is also taught.

The above described patents have the shortcoming of extending a distance from the user and having a bulky shape which is not desirable during active sporting or outdoor activities. It is desirable to provide a hand warmer which is slim and lays substantially flat against the user which is formed of fabrics to keep wind out and heat in.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hand warmer pouch in which a tubular cavity lays flat against the body when hands are not inserted into the tubular cavity. The hand warmer pouch can have an elliptical shape with curved ends to provide an ergonomic shape. Ends of the cavity can be angled such that the cavity has a longer length at the bottom for matching the shape of the hands. The hand warmer pouch is slim and provides a sleek design.

The outer shell of the hand warmer pouch is formed of a water resistant fabric. The outside shell is formed of a fabric, which can be soft and flexible. Preferably, the water resistant fabric is neoprene treated with a water repellant spray. The outer shell provides a thermal barrier as well as added wind and water resistance.

The inside of the tubular cavity is formed of an insulation fabric. Preferably, the insulation fabric is a fleece material. The high loft fibers in the fleece material create pockets that trap air and retain body heat, providing outstanding warmth without weight, while offering excellent breathability and dry quickly to provide the utmost versatility and performance under extreme weather conditions, such as below 32° F.

Ends of a belt can be attached to the rear of the hand warmer pouch. The belt is formed of a plurality of straps. For example, the straps can be formed of a nylon web material. A female portion of a release buckle is attached to a first section of one of the straps. A male portion of the release buckle is coupled to a second section of one of the straps. The release buckle can be a quick release buckle for expeditious release of the belt. The length of the belt can be adjusted with an adjustment buckle. An end of the belt strap can be doubled over itself and threaded through the adjustment buckle. In one embodiment, the belt includes a plurality of retainer compartments on either strap suitable for retaining bullets, shells, or any type of ammunition on the belt. For example, the belt can keep 5-30 units of ammunition at the ready for a quick reload.

The ends of the belt can be sewn onto the rear of the hand warmer pouch. A gripping material can be applied to an inner surface of each end of the belt adjacent to the attached ends. The gripping material for example can be formed of rubber, silicone or rubberized silicone. The gripping material grips wet or dry clothing to secure the hand warmer pouch in place and prevent the hand warmer pouch from riding up and down the body.

A pocket can be positioned on an inner surface of the hand warmer pouch. The outside of the pocket is formed of water resistant material and can be integral with the outer portion of the hand warmer pouch. A closure device can be used for closing the pocket. For example, the closing device can be a zipper. Preferably, the closing device is a bonded zipper to prevent any moisture from entering the pocket. The zipper is bonded to the pouch using laser-cut fabric that works in a similar fashion to an adhesive seam tape. This eliminates stitching bulk, zipper tape, and weight from the hand warmer pouch. The waterproof bonded zipper can include a dock for the zipper head to eliminate any gap in the closure. The zipper body blocks water and directs it away from the inside of the pocket. The zipper is slim, flexible and light, as well as seamless.

The utility pocket can be used to hold for example a cellphone, keys, coins, mouth guard, and other personal belongings and outdoor accessories. The utility pocket can be used to receive one or more heating elements.

The inner surfaces of the utility pocket can be formed of an insulation material such as fleece. The inner wall of the utility pocket forms the inner wall of the tubular cavity. The heating element can conduct heat through the inner wall of the utility pocket into the tubular cavity.

Both insulation and outer shell layers are cut for minimal bulk to provide the user full range of motion. The hand warmer pouch can be used during hunting, camping, fishing and other rugged outdoor activities without restricting any movements of the wearer. Alternatively, the hand warmer pouch can be used during athletic activities without restricting any movements of the wearer. For example, the hand warmer pouch can be worn by football players in cold weather games. During use the hand warmer pouch helps to lock cold air out of the tubular cavity while keeping received hands warm within the tubular cavity. The hand warmer pouch provides lightweight, weather protection.

The invention will be more fully described by reference to the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hand warmer pouch in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the hand warmer pouch during insertion of a wearer's hands into a tubular cavity of the hand warmer pouch.

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic view of the insulation fabric inside the tubular cavity.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the hand warmer pouch including a closure device.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the hand warmer pouch attached to an adjustable belt.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the hand warmer pouch and adjustable buckle and including a bonded zipper closure device.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the hand warmer pouch including a camouflage design on the outer shell.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the hand warmer pouch of FIG. 7 including a belt for retaining bullets.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the hand warmer pouch of FIG. 7 including a belt for retaining shells.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a quick release buckle.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a twister buckle.

FIG. 11B is an end view of the twister buckle.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a slider buckle.

FIG. 11D is an end view of the slider buckle.

FIG. 11E is a perspective view of a flat buckle.

FIG. 11F is an end view of the flat buckle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

Hand warmer pouch 10 includes tubular cavity 20 at front 11 of body 19. Outer shell 12 of hand warmer pouch 10 and outer shell 14 of tubular cavity 20 is formed of a water resistant fabric. Outer shell 12 and outer shell 14 can be formed of a fabric which can be soft and flexible. Preferably, outer shell 12 and outer shell 14 are formed of a water resistant flexible fabric of neoprene treated with a durable water repellant (DWR) finish. Hand warmer pouch 10 includes body 17 having an elliptical shape with curved ends 15, 16 to provide an ergonomic shape. For example, body 17 can be a length in the range of about 15-20 inches, preferably 17 inches.

Tubular cavity 20 lays flat against body 17 of wearer when hands are not inserted into tubular cavity 20. Tubular cavity 20 extends from the body during use as shown in FIG. 2. Ends 22, 24 of tubular cavity 20 can be angled at an Angle A₁ between bottom 25 and top 26 of tubular cavity 20 as shown in FIG. 1. Length L₁ of bottom 25 can have a longer length than length L₂ of top 26. For example, length L₁ can be in the range of about 10-14 inches, preferably 12 inches and L₂ can be in the range of about 8-12 inches, preferably 10 inches. For example, a width of tubular cavity 20 can be 5 mm without the hands inserted and about 3.5 to 5 in. depending on hand size and placement in pouch. Tubular cavity 20 can have a size to accommodate all hand sizes and placements.

Inside 30 of tubular cavity 20 is formed of insulation fabric 32 as shown in FIG. 3. Insulation fabric 32 can be a fleece material. The high loft fibers in the fleece material create pockets that trap air and retain body heat. A suitable insulation fabric 32 is POLARTEC® THERMAL PRO® fabrics manufactured by POLARTEC®.

Utility pocket 40 can be positioned on inner surface 18 of tubular cavity 20 at rear 13 of hand warmer pouch 10 as shown in FIG. 4. Closure device 42 can be used for closing utility pocket 40. For example, closure device 42 can be a zipper 43 including pull 44 and teeth 45.

Inside 46 of utility pocket 40 is formed of insulation fabric 32. Utility pocket 40 can receive one or more heating elements 49. A suitable heating element 49 is a hand and pocket warmer such as manufactured by Grabber Performance Group as Mini-Mini Heater element 49 to provide up to seven hours of heating. In one embodiment, inner wall 47 of utility pocket 40 forms or is integral with inner wall 48 of tubular cavity 20 as shown in FIG. 3. Insulation fabric 32 can be a fleece material. In this embodiment, heat can be transferred from inner wall 47 of utility pocket 40 to inner wall 48 of tubular cavity 20.

Referring to FIG. 5, ends 52, 53 of belt 50 can be attached to rear 13 of body 19 of hand warmer pouch 10. Belt 50 is formed of straps 54, 55. A suitable material for straps 54, 55 can be a nylon web material. Female portion 60 of a release buckle 61 can be attached to a first section 57 of strap 54. Male portion 62 of release buckle 61 can be attached to second section 58 of strap 55. Release buckle 61 can be a quick side-release buckle for expeditious release of female portion 60 from male portion 62. The length of strap 55 can be adjusted with adjustment buckle 65. End 59 of strap 55 can be doubled over itself and threaded through adjustment buckle 65.

Ends 52, 53 of belt 50 can be sewn onto rear 13 as shown in FIG. 6. Gripping portion 70 can be attached to inner surface 73 of respective straps 54 and 55 adjacent to attached ends 52 and 53. Suitable materials for gripping portion 70 include rubber, silicone or rubberized silicone.

Closing device 82 can be used for closing pocket 40. Closing device 82 is a bonded zipper 83. Bonded zipper 83 includes zipper head 84 and mating closure members 85 to be waterproof and prevent any moisture from entering pocket 40. Bonded zipper 83 is bonded to pocket 40 using a laser-cut fabric. Zipper head 84 docks into docking portion 86 to eliminate any gap in closure of bonded zipper 83.

FIG. 7-9 illustrate an embodiment preferable for outdoor activities. Front 11 and rear 13 can be formed of camouflage material 100. Camouflage material 100 can be formed of a water resistant flexible fabric of neoprene printed with a camouflage pattern.

Camouflage material 100 can be treated with a water repellant spray. Suitable camouflage patterns include MOSSY OAK® and BREAK UP INFINITY® as manufactured by MOSSY OAK®.

Strap 55 can be replaced with strap 105, which includes retainer compartments 106 suitable for receiving and retaining bullets 107 as shown in FIG. 8. Strap 55 can be replaced with strap 115, which includes retainer compartments 116 suitable for receiving and retaining shells 117 as shown in FIG. 9.

Hand warmer pouch 10 can be used during hunting, camping, fishing and other rugged outdoor activities without restricting any movements of the wearer. Alternatively, hand warmer pouch 10 can be used during athletic activities without restricting any movements of the wearer.

FIG. 10 illustrates release buckle 61 which can be a quick release buckle. Side release activation buttons 64 can be pressed to release female portion 60 from male portion 62.

FIG. 11A-11F illustrate optional embodiments of magnetic buckles 200, 300, and 400 that can be used to replace release buckle 61.

Magnetic buckles 200, 300, and 400 are based on a magnetic technology including magnets which make them easy to close and the secure snap functionality ensures a continuously high locking force. Buckle 200 is a magnetic twister buckle including buckle portion 204 and 206 coupled by magnetic fasteners 202, 203 which provide double mechanical snap functionality. Buckle 200 can be opened easily with a slight twisting motion to separate magnetic fastener 202 from magnetic fastener 203. Preferably, buckle 200 is manufactured by FIDLOCK® as the SNAP BUCKLE TWISTER 40®.

Buckle 300 includes buckle portion 304 and buckle portion 306 coupled by spring 302 inside buckle 300. Buckle 300 closes automatically and is opened by sliding portion 303 laterally. A suitable buckle 300 is manufactured by FIDLOCK® as a SNAP BUCKLE FLAT®.

Buckle 400 is a magnetic slider. Buckle 400 including buckle portion 404 and buckle portion 406 coupled by magnet 402. Buckle 400 can be easily and conveniently opened by sliding magnet 402 laterally and it closes automatically. Buckle 400 combines advantages of a magnet and a snap fastener. Preferably, buckle 400 is manufactured by FIDLOCK® as the SLIDER®.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments, which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A hand warmer pouch comprising;

a body and

a tubular cavity formed on a front of the body,

wherein each end of the tubular cavity is adapted to receive a wearer's hands and the tubular cavity lays flat against a body of the wearer when the wearer's hands are not inserted in the tubular cavity.

2. The hand warmer pouch of claim 1 wherein the body has an elliptical shape with curved ends.

3. The hand warmer pouch of claim 1 wherein ends of the tubular cavity are angled, the tubular cavity has a longer length at a bottom than at a top.

4. The hand warmer pouch of claim 1 wherein an outer shell of the hand warmer pouch is formed of a water resistant fabric.

5. The hand warmer pouch of claim 4 wherein the fabric is flexible.

6. The hand warmer pouch of claim 4 wherein the water resistant fabric is neoprene treated with a water repellant spray.

7. The hand warmer pouch of claim 1 wherein an inside of the tubular cavity is formed of an insulation fabric.

8. The hand warmer pouch of claim 7 wherein the insulation fabric is a fleece material.

9. The hand warmer pouch of claim 1 further comprising a belt, ends of the belt are attached to the body.

10. The hand warmer pouch of claim 9 wherein the belt is formed of a plurality of straps, a female portion of a release buckle is attached to a first section of a first one of the straps and a male portion of the release buckle is coupled to a second section of a second one of the straps.

11. The hand warmer pouch of claim 10 further comprising an adjustment buckle received through an end of the second one of the straps and the second one of the straps can be doubled over itself and threaded through the adjustment buckle.

12. The hand warmer of claim 10 wherein the release buckle is a side release buckle including a release flange on either side of the buckle, the release flanges being released to release the female portion from the male portion of the release buckle.

13. The hand warmer pouch of claim 10 wherein the release buckle is a magnetic release buckle including a pair of magnets on either side of the buckle, the magnets being released from one another to release the female portion from the male portion of the release buckle.

14. The hand warmer pouch of claim 13 wherein the magnets are twisted from one another for releasing the magnets.

15. The hand warmer pouch of claim 13 wherein the magnets slide from one another releasing the magnets.

16. The hand warmer pouch of claim 9 wherein the belt includes a plurality of retainer compartments, the retainer compartments adapted for receiving bullets.

17. The hand warmer pouch of claim 9 wherein the belt includes a plurality of retainer compartments, the retainer compartments adapted for receiving shells.

18. The hand warmer pouch of claim 9 further comprising a gripping portion attached to an inner surface of the each end of the first and second straps adjacent to the attached ends.

19. The hand warmer pouch of claim 18 wherein the gripping portion is formed of rubber, silicone or rubberized silicone.

20. The hand warmer pouch of claim 1 further comprising a utility pocket positioned on an inner surface of the tubular cavity.

21. The hand warmer pouch of claim 20 wherein an inner wall of the utility pocket forms an inner wall of the tubular cavity, the inner wall of the utility pocket being formed of an insulation fabric, wherein the utility pocket being adapted to receive a heating element and heat from the heating element being conducted from the utility pocket to said tubular cavity.

22. The hand warmer pouch of claim 20 further comprising a closure device for closing the pocket.

23. The hand warmer pouch of claim 22 wherein the closure device comprises a zipper.

24. The hand warmer pouch of claim 22 wherein the closure device comprises a bonded zipper.

25. The hand warmer pouch of claim 24 wherein the bonded zipper is waterproof.